1991 ranger issue

[adamhawk71]

I got a 91 ranger for my sons 16th next month. I might need to replace the transmission BUT I thought some advice might save me some money.

The truck shifts into 1st,2nd, 3rd, &4th but it will not go into 5th or reverse at all. I mean it wont even try to go far enough over to drop into gear. I can drive it all day long if I dont need to back up or outrun the law. Is there a "track" or "guide" that the shifter follows that might be blocked or am I out of luck. How can I tell if there is an easier fix than another transmission. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[adamhawk71]

Just for additional information. The truck has a 2.3 liter engine with the original M50D transmission. And it will go all the way over to the right where it should fall into gear but it wont drop into reverse or into 5th(overdrive). Thanks again for ny help.

 

[rboyer]

Does the shifter feel "sloppy"? Like does it have alot of side play to it when you have it shifted in gear? If so you may need a set of shifter bushings for it.

 

[adamhawk71]

1-4 feel normal. They seem fairly tight. 5th and reverse just wont go in at all. It wont even try to go into gear.